HHS athletes earn 14 all-conference selections for fall sports seasons

Four Houston High School female athletes led the way for the district’s 14 selections to the softball, volleyball and football all-conference teams.

Sisters Tommi and Taylor Franklin were named to the South Central Association first team in softball, and Megan Silveus and Desiree Venable received first team recognition in volleyball.

SOFTBALL: The lone freshman named to the first team, Tommi Franklin led the Lady Tigers with a .456 batting average while ranking second on the team in RBIs (18) and stolen bases (17) and tying for third in runs (23).

Taylor Franklin, a senior shortstop, batted .413 her final season at HHS and led the team with eight doubles, 34 runs and 24 stolen bases. She also knocked in 16 runs and struck out just three times in 63 at-bats.

Emily Harrison, a senior pitcher, and Lizzy Swindell, a junior first baseman, were selected to the second team. Harrison was 5-1 on the mound in conference play as the Lady Tigers finished third in the SCA. Swindell easily led the team with 37 RBIs while batting .431. She scored 23 runs and was tied with three other players with three triples.

Kaylea Preheim, a senior third baseman, and Belle Knarr, a senior catcher, were named honorable mention. Preheim batted .349 with 20 runs scored and Knarr hit .311 with eight RBIs.

Salem pitcher Courtney Putman was voted the SCA player of the year. 

VOLLEYBALL: Joining Silveus, a junior, and Venable, a senior libero, on the all-conference team were Nora Dixon and Sarah Kelley. Dixon was a second team selection and Kelley received honorable mention recognition. 

Kylie Acklin was the SCA volleyball player of the year. Shari Tune of Liberty was the coach of the year.

FOOTBALL: Trevor Merckling, a senior fullback, was named a second-team running back to lead the Tigers’ four all-SCA selections. Merckling led the Tigers with 128 carries for 754 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 10 receptions for 147 yards and a score.

Austin Keeney (defensive back), Dalton Hale (defensive back) and Kolby Walker (tight end) were named honorable mention. 

Keeney, a senior who played linebacker, led the HHS defense with 69 tackles. He also had a sack and interception. Hale had a team-best two interceptions and was tied for third on the team with 56 tackles. Walker had four receptions for 49 yards from his tight end position.

Liberty quarterback Jaelon Acklin was named the conference back of the year. Adam Niehaus of Liberty and Mountain Grove’s Ethan Johns shared linemen of the year honors. Liberty’s Darin Acklin was selected coach of the year.